to i mmm TREATflENT OF OBESITY AND FATTY DEGENERATION. GEORGE HOWARD THOMPSON, A.M., M.D., Prof. Materia Medica, St. Louis College Physicians and Surgeons. T is not necessary to enter into a discussion of what constitutes fatty degeneration, suffice it to say that this condition generally co-exists with a tendency to general obesity, or results from the abuse of alcoholics. Those having a tendency to general obesity, are usually partial also to diets rich in sugars and starches, and small amounts of carbo-hydrates added to such a diet greatly favors the deposition of fat. The hereditary tendency to accumulation of fat, in my experience, usually manifests itself in males at the age of thirty, sometimes earlier, sometimes later; in females usually at about twenty-eight. As long as fat serves its function only —that of adding rotundity to the form and serving as food supply in times of sickness—there is no necessity of seeking to eliminate it. It is when it accumulates persistently, causing distress by its weight and interference with locomotion, or when internal viscera become so degenerated by substitution of fat for normal organic tissue, that distress is caused or life threatened, that we should seek to correct its effects. The members of the medical profession doubtless have their own ideas as to whether relief should be given on purely cosmetic grounds or not, and it is not my intention to discuss this subject from such a standpoint. The question is: how can necessary relief be afforded? In endeav- oring to throw some light upon this question, I take occasion to report a few cases. Case I.—Mrs. E., aet. 28; weight, 138 pounds; height, 5 feet; complained that she suffered from heat. For two years she has been unable to stand the moderate summer elevations of temper- ature without great inconvenience. Perspired so freeley that she was obliged to remain indoors most of the time between June and September, on account of ruining her clothes with perspiration. No female or other trouble was present, but she seemed to have a superabundance of adipose tissue generally distributed, especially about the chest and abdomen. Habits regular, bowels and courses likewise. Concluded to see the effect of reducing her weight, and for this purpose, after trying Fucus Vesiculosus in the dose of one to two drams of the fluid extract three times a day, with some slight benefit, I determined to try Phytolacca Decandra, which has been recommended by Dr. M. M. Griffith, as a potent measure in diminishing obesity. The preparation used was Phytoline; (Walker), a remedy prepared from the active principle of the phytolacca berries, after being somewhat frostbitten. The dose first used was gtt.xv. four times a day. The patient used two bottles, after which she reported herself feeling very much improved, perspiration lessened, weight 128 pounds, appetite about the same, and regular bowels and courses. I could find no bad effects from the remedy. Case II.—H. W. M., aet. 43; weight, 160; height, 5 feet 6 inches; complained of praecor- dial distress, difficult breathing, occasional attacks of vertigo, heart beat feeble, irregular and slow, sometimes rapid, anaemia, weakness in the legs, which were not very muscular. Patient was addicted to alcoholics, suffered consequently from dyspepsia and atony of the bowels. Diagnosis: fatty degeneration of the heart due to alcoholism. Stopped his alcoholics, administered stomachic tonic of quinine, strychnine and capsicum, and gave Phytolacca (Phytoline, Walker) in the dose of gtt.x. six times a day, before and after each meal. In three weeks there was a notable improvement in every respect. Weight had decreased five pounds, heart beat fuller and more regulai, prsecordial distress and difficult breathing ceased altogether, digestion improved, appetite likewise. Patient was on the road to recovery when persistent exposure to extreme cold brought on pneumonia, from which he died after five days’ illness. In these two cases there was no advice given as to diet except the withdrawal of alcoholics in the last case, it also being remembered that alcoholics antagonize the action of Phytolacca. Case III.—Nr. N., aet. 54; weight, 240; height, 5 feet 10 inches; complained of eczema of the legs and left side. Inspection showed in the left hypochondrium a large circumscribed ulcer- ation about two inches in diameter, surrounded by inflamed vesicular area; the legs showed similar ulcerations in the skin. Patient perspired freely, almost to a point of hyperidrosis. During cold weather patient was not troubled, except from difficult locomotion and occasional attacks of rheu- matism. Examination of urine showed no sugar. Appetite fair; drank considerable beer; bowels regular. Astringent salves and lotions cured temporarily. Diagnosed eczema, due to maceration. Placed patient on Phytolacca (Phytoline, Walker), gtt.xxv. before and after each meal. In two weeks patient lost ten pounds, had somewhat less appetite, less perspiration, sores took on a healthier condition, and after continuing the treatment about two months and a half, patient felt as well as ever, and tipped the beam at 200. Since then the patient has gained but little, if any, perspires normally, and has no return of his eczema and no recurrence of rheumatism. How long this condition will last, time alone can tell. This last case was one especially calling for some fat reducing agent, and the checking of perspiration. In this case bread and potatoes were prohibited, likewise other forms of starchy foods; beer was reduced in quantity, two-thirds. These measures materially increased the fat reducing properties of the Phytoeine. The next question is: How does Phytoeine cause the reduction of fat? This I am at present unable to say. I have, however, noticed that the faeces seemed to be considerably richer in fatty materials than is normal, which condition cannot be attributed to indigestion, as in all other respects digestion was normal. Perspiration and urine was apparently unchanged by the action of the drug. Officinal preparations of the root have been used with little or no result, except to cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. PhyTOUNE (Walker’s) is prepared from the ripe berries of Phytolacca Decandra, having been touched by the early frost. This preparation does not cause nausea in the ordinary dose, and though slight laxative effects have been observed from it, I have never seen a pronounced case of diarrhoea. The appetite is sometimes slightly diminished, chiefly in the morning. It seems to me to be specially indicated in all diseases characterized by fatty degeneration of internal viscera, especially of the heart and liver. Those who chose to use it for its cosmetic effects in reducing fat, will also find in it a serviceable adjunct to properly restricted diet and exercise.— The Clinique (St. Louis, August, 1893.) PH VTO lilHE. The medical profession throughout the United States has long felt the want of a reliable remedy for treating obesity. Although there are medicines which will reduce flesh, there has been none until recently discovered, which would absorb fatty tissue rapidly without serious after-effects. Since Phytoline; (prepared from the phytolacca berries) has been introduced to the profession, it has filled a long-felt want, and physicians can now promise certain relief to their corpulent patients. At this date its favorable action is endorsed by medical men throughout the United States. Phytoline; is not a compound, but is simply prepared from the active principle of the berries of Phytolacca Decandra and is a scientific pharmaceutical product. In the following we give the opinions of the medical profession on the action of Phytoline; in obesity: HAS BEEN ON THE LOOKOUT FOR YEARS. Dr. A. Sandford, Everett, Mass., writes: “I have, for several years, been on the lookout for some preparation which would reduce flesh without injuring the general health, but have not succeeded in finding one. Several weeks ago, however, I received a pamphlet on the action of Phytoline (the active principle of the berries of Phytolacca Decandra) in obesity, and at about that time a patient applied to me for a reduction of her weight. I prescribed Phytoline, and directed her to take ten drops before and after the three daily meals. She has now taken about two weeks’ treatment, and tells me that she has lost fifteen pounds, and that, too, without making any change in her diet, or affecting her general health. I am pleased with the results, and can conscien- tiously recommend it.” Walker Pharmacal Co., St. Louis, Mo. Gentlemen:—In connection with the Phytoline recently obtained from you, I may say that my patient has lost about thirty pounds in the past six weeks, although he was unable, on account of business engagements, to take it systematically as directed. Yours sincerely, James E. Pilcher, Cap’t Med. Dept. U. S. Army. LOST THIRTY POUNDS. A PHYSICIAN’S EXPERIENCE WITH PHYTOLINE ON HIMSELF. Walker Pharmacal Co., St. Louis Mo. Urbana, Ohio, May 3, 1893. Gentlemen:—The Phytoline ordered, came in due time, and I began taking it at once. I must say it has done wonders forme. Before commencing the treatment I took my weight carefully and found I weighed 245 pounds. I was feeling badly, was too fat, and extremely uncomfortable. After fourteen days’ treatment I weighed, and found I had lost nineteen pounds. I feel splendid, can walk rapidly, and not get tired or cause hurried respiration. I feel good, am well pleased with it, and shall continue to prescribe it in my practice. Trusting all persons suffering with obesity will take Phytoline, I am, Sincerely yours, Geo. H. Hodges, M. D. after five; weeks. Walker Pharmacae Co., St. Louis, Mo. Urbana, Ohio, May 27, 1893. Gentlemen:—I have prescribed Phytoline for five weeks now, and during that time alb reports from its use have been favorable. Geo. H. Hodges, M. D. LOST ONE POUND A DAY. Dr. D. H. PoyneER, Pomeroy, Wash., writes: “Not long since, I ordered a bottle of Phytoline. It came in due time, and I put it to work. The patient, Mrs. S., is about twenty-eight years of age, and weighed 180 pounds. She lost, during seven days’ treatment, seven pounds, or a pound a day, and never felt better in her life." Dr. H. Bremen, Kan., writes: “I have been prescribing Phytoline to one of my patients and it has reduced his weight from 253 to 222 pounds in two months. Am go.ng to reduce it to 200.” Dr. Mat Wart.ace, Mill Point, W. Va., writes: “I have used one bottle of Phytoline on a patient of mine, and it has reduced his weight from 260 to 249 pounds in eleven days. I am in hopes two more bottles will complete the cure. He desires his weight reduced to 200 pounds. The patient has been troubled with Rheu- matism and difficulty of breathing, and is much improved. To say I am pleased but mildly expresses my opinion of Phytoline.” Dr. J. P. DockhardT, Bzel, Ky., writes: “ The Bottle of Phytoline I used has reduced me twenty pounds.” Dr. R. W. Martin, Salem, Ind., writes: “I have used Phytoline on one patient and it has reduced her weight twenty pounds.” Dr. O. K. Gant, Plattsburg, Mo., writes: “I am prescribing Phytoline, and find that it does all that is claimed for it.” Dr. B. F. Tester, Woodbury, Tenn., writes: “I have been using Phytoline on myself and it has bene- fited me greatly. Has reduced my weight from 271 to 257 pounds in three weeks.” FURTHER EXPERIENCES IN TREATING OBESITY. pot* Obesity and patty Degeneration of the peart;.—The next patient who conies under your notice suffering frofn obesity, give Phytolacca a trial and prescribe the following. It is perfectly harmless, yet a powerful anti-fat: TWO VALUABLE PRESCRIPTIONS. Another prescription for obesity: B Pbytoline (Walker), - - 3X Alcohol Dil. - - - - - q. s. ft. OI M. ft. Sol. Sig.—Take one teaspoonful six times daily, half hour before and after meals; also follow directions in regard to diet. Phytoline (Walker), - - oz. ii Sig.—Take ten drops six times a day, before and after meals, in a little water. Your druggist can obtain the above for your prescriptions. Valuable suggestion regarding diet and exercise mailed on application OBESITY IN SUMMER. Nothing is so much dreaded in a stout person’s life as the heat of summer. When the rays of the summer sun beat down on the corpulent, it causes intense suffering to the afflicted and sympathy from their friends. Fat people have always looked forward with dread to the approach of the heated season; and almost with despair in their countenance, have asked for treatment from their family physician. This class of patients a doctor does not fancy, as heretofore he has been unable to prescribe any remedy that would reduce the weight of his patient without serious injury to the system. Since PhytolinE (prepared from the active principle of the berries of Phytolacca Decandra) has been introduced however, science has placed in the hands of the medical profession a remedy which will actually reduce flesh, causing almost immediate relief, and by its mild action replacing morbid tissue with solid flesh. Now, that a remedy has been found, it is the duty of every physician who has friends or patients suffering with obesity to call their attention to the success of this new treatment. It will make you many friends. Phytoline is put up in bottles containing two ounces, and-is kept in stock by most jobbers, or can be obtained by any retail druggist for 3"our prescriptions. We cannot afford to distribute samples of the remedy Phytoline, as the cost to us is great, but we will mail to any physician one full-size bottle upon receipt of wholesale price of $1.00 and 10 cents for postage. We would suggest, however, that your druggist order a supply for your prescriptions. For further literature and clinical reports, address WAliKSH PHflKMACAU CO., St. Liouis, Mo. beware of imitations. THIS STYliE OHUtV.